Mexico-sponsored meet on Kashmir fails to take off

21 June 2002The Hindu

United Nations: An informal seminar on Kashmir, organised by Mexico in the United Nations Security Council, failed to take off due to New Delhi''s objections and lack of enthusiasm among other members of the 15- member council. Although no explanation for the delay was cited, diplomatic sources said today ''India''s unhappiness, planned boycott by Russia and Mauritius and lack of enthusiasm of several other members prompted the delay.'' India is understood to have taken strong exception to Mexico, one of the 10 non-permanent members of the Council, for calling for a discussion on Kashmir under the Arria formula which allows the organisers to invite speakers from official, non-official bodies and even private citizens. India was peeved because several of the speakers named were known Pakistan sympathisers. An official from the Indian mission reportedly said, ''we have said we don''t like this meeting. It is unhelpful and counterproductive.''